** APRIL 20TH **

*** POLLY'S ROOM - ST HUGH'S - 1:30 PM **

Norika tentatively approaches Polly's room and knocks on the door.

WPC Datta:

Polly? How are you feeling?

Polly sighs, looking miserable as Nori takes a seat by her bed.

WPC Page:

Ok, just tired.

Norika nods.

WPC Datta:

Everyone's been asking how you are. What did the doctors say?

WPC Page:

I'll be fine. They're letting me out tomorrow.

Norika gives Polly a short smile.

WPC Datta:

I heard about Ben and his mates coming in yesterday.

Polly blinks several times.

WPC Page:

It doesn't matter.

Norika looks around the room, unsure about what to say.

WPC Datta:

Polly, I found your note.

Polly bites her bottom lip nervously.

WPC Page:

And?

Norika's manner becomes grave.

WPC Datta:

Well I wasn't sure what to do about it. I mean, I felt so bad about that fact that we were talking and then you went away and tried to kill yourself. I'm sorry about that Polly, I should have listened to you more. Been more of a friend.

Polly shrugs.

WPC Page:

It wasn't your fault. I just feel like there's nothing I can do about it. You pretty much spelled it out to me. It's my word against his.

Norika nods sadly.

WPC Datta:

That's why I told June about it. I thought that she might know what to do.

Polly looks back at Norika, shocked.

WPC Page:

You, you told June? June Ackland? I thought that it was between us?

Norika shakes her head, looking guilty.

WPC Datta:

I'm sorry Polly but I didn't know how to handle it. I felt responsible for what happened to you and I know that you and June are friends so I thought it would be okay.

Polly takes a breath.

WPC Page:

I just, I don't know what to do now. I don't want him to just get away with it but I don't wanna stuff everything up here as well.

Norika leans forward.

WPC Datta:

Well that's exactly why you can't let him get away with it. I've thought it over and I really think you should report him.

Polly nods quickly.

WPC Page:

Well then what do I do now?

WPC Datta:

Ultimately, it's up to you. How far do you want to take this? To the disciplinary board? To court?

Polly frowns determinedly.

WPC Page:

I don't want him to get away with it.

WPC Datta:

Well think it over, Polly. I've got to get going but you really should think about the next step that you're going to take. If you want to talk to me or June, you know we're always here to support you, yeah?

Polly considers Norika's words.

WPC Page:

Norika, if I was to press criminal charges, you'd back me up wouldn't ya? I mean, you remember the night it happened and then that night at the pub and all.

Norika nods and smiles warmly at her friend.

WPC Datta:

I remember every detail, Polly. Don't worry, I'll back you to the hilt.

Polly smiles softly.

WPC Page:

Well then I'll do it. Thanks Norika.

Norika brushes Polly's shoulder encouragingly.

WPC Datta:

That's okay. You just concentrate on getting better, eh?

Norika starts walking towards the door.

WPC Page:

Don't worry, I'll be fine. This is nothing.

WPC Datta:

If you say so.

Norika nods, smiles and leaves the room.

** APRIL 25TH **

*** PC'S LOCKER ROOM - 1:58 PM ***

Tony and Dave are busily getting dressed into civvies. Alongside them is Ben, getting ready for the beat and buttoning up his uniform. Tony nods at Ben in a relatively friendly way.

PC Stamp:

Be careful out there today, mate. We were nearly mobbed by a bunch of schoolgirls earlier on!

Dave nods seriously.

PC Quinnan:

They practically tore the uniform off me back!

Ben flashes a grin mischievously.

PC Prior:

I'm up for a bit of that. Which school?

Tony shrugs.

PC Stamp:

Cheetham Road. It was a tough assignment, Ben.

Dave looks serious.

PC Quinnan:

You're not ready for really challenging jobs like talking to a bunch of schoolgirls. First off, you'd have to be handsome like us two..

Tony and Dave grin at each other. Ben clips his tie on with a smirk.

PC Prior:

Get outa here you two. Leave the real policing to us.

Tony sneers at Ben and gets on with dressing. Dave does likewise but pauses and turns to Ben.

PC Quinnan:

I saw Polly Page just before, outside the nick. Is she coming back today?

Ben scoffs.

PC Prior:

Apparently. That'll be a laugh.

Dave frowns.

PC Quinnan:

Go easy on her, Ben. She's had a rough time of it lately.

Ben backs away defensively.

PC Prior:

Hey, don't worry. Ain't no way I'm getting meself involved with that screwed up excuse for a plonk!

Dave rolls his eyes.

PC Quinnan:

Just give her a break! She's just come out of hospital and you're not exactly the most tactful officer at Sun Hill.

Dave trails off at the angry look on Ben's face.

PC Prior:

I'm so sick of everyone babying that frigid cow! It's me you should feel sorry for, she's a right twisted little manipulating slut!

Tony turns around and stares at Ben, with his shirt still half off.

PC Stamp:

Steady on.

PC Prior:

Steady on nothing, Tony. You don't know that thing. Underneath that uniform lies.. well let's just say, she's not the innocent little probate she makes out...

Dave shakes his head in disgust.

PC Quinnan:

Shut up Prior. And grow up.

Ben grins smugly.

PC Prior:

What, jealous are we Dave? Just coz she turned you down!

Dave looks angrily at Ben.

PC Quinnan:

I didn't even ask. Even the book on her was just a joke. I think I'll chuck it out, it's pretty pathetic now that I come to think about it. A schoolboy prank. Pity that some people never grow out of that stage.

Ben rolls his eyes.

PC Prior:

It's jealousy. Oh well, you're welcome to try your luck!

Ben pulls his jumper over his head and finishes changing. Dave loses his temper and walks towards Ben angrily. Tony steps in front of Dave and holds him back.

PC Stamp:

Leave it Dave, he's not worth it.

Dave brushes Tony off angrily and storms out of the room. Tony looks over at Ben with disgust.

PC Stamp:

You really are winning friends and influencing people today, aren't you?

Tony finishes dressing and follows Dave, leaving Ben alone in the locker room. He catches up with Dave in the corridor.

PC Stamp:

Wait up! What's got into you, you prat?

Tony is panting and out of breath. Dave glances over at his mate.

PC Quinnan:

I'm just sick of him and his big mouth. Sometimes he just oversteps the mark ya know.

Tony nods, understanding where Dave's coming from.

PC Stamp:

You shouldn't let him get to you, though. He's all mouth, Dave. He's not worth getting so worked up about.

PC Quinnan:

I know, it's just, the way he talks about, well not just Polly but plonks; women in general. I can't believe he's married!

Tony nods.

PC Stamp:

I feel sorry for his wife, coming home every day to that. God knows what she saw in him.

Tony and Dave continue to walk along the corridor until they practically bump into Polly and Norika coming in the opposite direction. Tony smiles sympathetically at the girls.

PC Stamp:

Hello Norika, Polly.

Polly nods politely, glancing nervously over at Norika. Norika inclines her head at Tony.

WPC Datta:

See you tomorrow, lads.

Norika and Polly walk past the men, leaving them standing in the middle of the corridor. Norika smiles tightly and looks over at her friend.

WPC Datta:

Are you feeling up to this Polly?

Polly nods slowly.

WPC Page:

Ready as I'll ever be I guess.

WPC Datta:

Are you happy about seeing the DCI? I mean, she's a woman so that should make it easier.

Norika and Polly begin to ascend the stairs next to the coffee machine.

WPC Page:

In theory but it's still his word against mine.

WPC Datta:

Yes but you're in the right here and he's in the wrong. It really is better this way, Polly. Now tell me what you're going to say to her.

Norika folds her arms and the women pause on the steps. Polly sighs awkwardly.

WPC Page:

I just tell her from start to finish, exactly what happened.

The women resume their walk.

WPC Datta:

Are you feeling confident about this?

WPC Page:

Should I?

Norika smiles and takes Polly's hand.

WPC Datta:

Just tell it like it was, Polly. Make the bastard pay.

Norika and Polly have reaches DCI Kim Reid's office. They stop outside the door.

WPC Datta:

Do you want me to come in too?

Polly hesitates.

WPC Page:

I'd better do this one on me own. Thanks though.

Norika nods and clasps Polly's arm one last time.

WPC Datta:

Well good luck. I'll be waiting in the yard, so come see me afterwards yeah?

Norika walks downstairs, looking slightly confused by Polly's words and actions. Polly nods, turning and knocking lightly on the DCI's office door.

DCI Reid:

Come in.

Kim is sitting behind her desk. She looks up at the faint noise. Polly steps nervously into the room, approaching the DCI's desk.

DCI Reid:

Ahhh yes, WPC Page. WPC Datta told me you wanted to speak to me about a personal matter. Please, take a seat.

Polly sits gingerly down, nodding. Kim is her usual calm self. She fixes Polly with an intense stare.

DCI Reid:

Perhaps you would like to tell me about it, WPC Page?

WPC Page:

Well, I'm not really sure where to begin. I started with B relief a little over a month ago, still on probation.

Kim nods her head gracefully.

DCI Reid:

You've had the whole of CID tied up talking about you, Polly. Well, the men anyway.

Kim smiles tolerantly at the nervous-looking probate.

DCI Reid:

Are you having difficulty coping with the job?

Polly sighs, looking uncomfortable.

WPC Page:

Well, yes and no, I mean, I wouldn't be if it weren't for what I came to talk with you about.

Kim frowns, slightly annoyed by Polly's oblique replies.

DCI Reid:

Well, can we stop beating around the bush? Why exactly did you want to see me?

Polly looks back up at her, knowing she has to go through with this.

WPC Page:

I spoke with Norika Datta, who directed me to see you.

Kim nods. Polly continues, her eyes meeting the DCI's.

WPC Page:

I want to file criminal charges against PC Ben Prior. For sexual assault, rape.

Kim doesn't even blink.

DCI Reid:

PC Ben Prior. What happened?

Polly casts her mind back to the night.

WPC Page:

It was April thirteenth. We'd just finished late turn. I was alone in the locker room, changing. He just barged into the room, without so much as knocking, suggested a few things, I told him to leave, he wouldn't. He came across to me, pushed me against the lockers and over-powered me. I tried to scream, told him to stop but he clamped his hand over my mouth and dragged me onto the floor. He then assaulted me and while his guard was down, I managed to get away and left.

DCI Reid:

Did you tell him to stop?

Kim looks as calm and collected as ever but a single drop of sweat on her forehead reveals her shock at this news. Polly chews on her bottom lip, refusing to break down.

WPC Page:

I.. I couldn't. He had a hand over my mouth.

Kim nods slowly.

DCI Reid:

What exactly did he do to you during the assault, Polly?

Kim takes out a notepad and makes several notes. Polly shrugs.

WPC Page:

He held me down, touched me against my will. He used his physical strength to overpower me. He raped me. I don't know what else you expect me to say.

Kim sighs.

DCI Reid:

Was it deliberate? What did he say when he came into the locker room?

WPC Page:

He'd been coming on to me all shift. I made it very clear that I wasn't interested. When he came in, he was full of comments, just I dunno, everything. That he was doing me a favour or something! That he thought I really wanted it, that I'd been asking for it!

Kim purses her lips.

DCI Reid:

Were there any physical injuries that might help to substantiate your claim? Are you bruised or injured at all?

Polly shakes her head.

WPC Page:

No, well not anymore. Norika saw me after I got back to the section house that night. I showed her the bruises.

Kim smiles faintly.

DCI Reid:

Well that should help. Was there any.. intimate.. evidence?

Kim looks slightly uncomfortable for the first time. Polly shakes her head again.

WPC Page:

I know I did the wrong think by waiting. I didn't know what to do initially. Whether to report him or not.

Kim sighs.

DCI Reid:

It's fine, Polly. Did anyone hear you cry out? Or see him walk into the locker room?

WPC Page:

I don't know. Considering that nobody came to my assistance, I'm assuming not.

Kim looks thoughtfully at the probationer in front of her.

DCI Reid:

How far do you want to take this Polly?

Polly sets her jaw firm.

WPC Page:

As far as possible Ma'am. I don't want him to get away with this.

DCI Reid:

Well I don't think we have enough evidence to arrest him just yet. We'll need to speak to Prior first and get his side of the story.

Kim trails off and lowers her voice. Polly leans forward to listen.

DCI Reid:

I shouldn't be saying this but off-the-record I'm glad you've got the guts to stand up to the sexism in the police. I admire any woman prepared to stand up for her rights and I've heard enough about Ben Prior to convince me that he's the sort of man who doesn't take 'no' for an answer. I'll be taking a great interest in this case and I hope we can resolve it in your favour. Don't listen to your colleagues, you made the right decision in bringing this to me.

Polly nods, quite surprised by the DCI's reaction.

WPC Page:

Thank you Ma'am. I must admit, that wasn't the reaction Norika led me to believe I'd get. I appreciate your support.

Kim smiles at Polly.

DCI Reid:

We women have to stick together in a man's world. Just make sure you don't flake out on me and let him get away with it. I can't stand inequality and most men treat sexual assault as part and parcel of the job. Hopefully we'll be able to change that.

WPC Page:

Don't worry, I won't change my mind.

Polly stands slowly, turning towards the door. Kim returns to making notes on the small pad in front of her.

DCI Reid:

Just stay calm and keep away from Ben Prior. I'll interview him as soon as I can.

Polly smiles briefly, before making her way from the room.

*** THE YARD - SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 2:15 PM ***

Dave and Tony are making their way out of the station, when they spot Norika pacing aimlessly up and down the ramp.

PC Quinnan:

Lost something Nori?

Norika looks up quickly.

WPC Datta:

Oh, no, nothing. You two heading off then?

Tony nods.

PC Stamp:

So why are you still hanging about, Nori? Why aren't you out on a date with that gorgeous boyfriend of yours?

Norika replies crisply, somewhat nervously.

WPC Datta:

Oh, I, I'm just waiting for someone. Shouldn't be much longer.

Tony is intrigued by Norika's edginess.

PC Stamp:

You wouldn't be waiting for Polly Page by any chance would you?

Dave looks back towards the station, tapping Tony lightly on the shoulder.

PC Quinnan:

Just a minute mate, left something back in me locker.

Tony rolls his eyes and watches with something resembling disgust as Dave heads off back towards the station. Tony turns his attention back to Norika.

PC Stamp:

Well? You tow have been getting very chummy just recently.

Norika turns slightly, looking around at the deserted yard.

WPC Datta:

What's that supposed to mean?

Tony shrugs his shoulders.

PC Stamp:

Nothing. I'm just curious about why you two are spending so much time together. I mean, Ben's been telling me a bit about her and I'm not sure you want to get involved with someone like her.

Norika looks suspicious.

WPC Datta:

Oh, it's nothing really. She just needs a mate at the moment. What's Ben been saying?

PC Stamp:

Just mouthing off, as usual. He seemed to think that Polly was too clingy after he broke up with her. How a married man can act that way and get away with it I have no idea.

Tony shakes his head with disgust.

WPC Datta:

He broke up with her? I never thought they were an item. What else has he been putting about?

PC Stamp:

The usual. Boasting about how good she was in bed. They even did it in the WPC's locker room once if he's to be believed.

Norika sighs awkwardly.

WPC Datta:

I'd heard that much. So, he's been telling the relief that they were together? And that he dumped her?

Tony nods sadly.

PC Stamp:

She's just another notch on his toggle as far as Ben's concerned.

WPC Datta:

Now why doesn't that surprise me.

PC Stamp:

I'm just amazed that she actually wanted to sleep with him in the first place!

Norika thinks for a moment.

WPC Datta:

Tony, so he has actually admitted to you that they... in the locker room?

Tony nods his head slowly.

PC Stamp:

I was darn surprised when he told me! They must have been at it like two dogs in heat!

WPC Datta:

Well, that'd be what he'd have you think.

Tony looks puzzled by Norika's words.

PC Stamp:

It's an odd place to have sex, though. The locker room. I mean, anyone could have just walked in on them!

Norika scoffs.

WPC Datta:

Yeah but they didn't. Unfortunately.

Tony looks Norika directly in the face.

PC Stamp:

What do you mean? Is something going on here, Norika?

Norika looks hesitant.

WPC Datta:

You could say that. But it mustn't get out. Not yet anyway.

Tony folds his arms.

PC Stamp:

Well what's going on Nori? All this skulking around the station with Polly Page. Has she made a complaint against him?

Norika lowers her voice.

WPC Datta:

This is serious Tony. I'm telling you this in the strictest of confidence.

Tony furrows his eyebrows and nods slowly.

PC Stamp:

I am a clam, Norika.

WPC Datta:

Well, Polly's up with the DCI at the moment. She's filing a complaint against him. For sexual assault.

Tony takes a step backwards in shock.

PC Stamp:

Sexual assault? You mean he forced her to have sex with him?

WPC Datta:

He raped her Tony. That's what the suicide attempt was all about. That and all the harassment we've witnessed. You remember that night at the pub.

Tony nods his head furiously.

PC Stamp:

And the boasting was just to cover up his actions. Hell, I've been blind. How could I have missed it?

WPC Datta:

You're not the only one, Tone. The night it happened, I saw her when she came back to the section house. I shoulda taken it more seriously. I shoulda demanded to know what had happened.

Tony sighs.

PC Stamp:

Do you think I should go to the DCI and tell her everything Ben told me?

WPC Datta:

It couldn't hurt Tones. I mean, well, there's practically no evidence, so it'd be a start.

PC Stamp:

I'll think about it. How is Polly coping? Does anyone else know?

WPC Datta:

Coping? Is that taking the suicide attempt into account or not? But I guess I'm the only one who knows. Apart from June and the DCI of course.

PC Stamp:

Is she making it official? Taking him to court, disciplinary action, the lot?

Norika nods confidently.

WPC Datta:

Hopefully. I mean, CID are going to interview Prior and then take it from there.

Tony frowns.

PC Stamp:

Do you know where he is right now?

WPC Datta:

No idea, why? Tony, just leave it. I never spoke with you, remember?

Tony shakes his head angrily.

PC Stamp:

I need to talk to him about it. Then I'm going to tell everything I know to the DCI.

WPC Datta:

I really don't think you should, Tony. By all means have a word with the DCI but leave Prior out of it.

Tony mumbles incoherently back at Norika and makes his way back into the station, pushing past a confused Dave in the process.

Continue...